MARCH 19, 2026
Registration @ 8:30am; Dismissal @ 3:30pm
Stronger Together:
Bridging Church and Community for Mental Health Support
Join us in-person as church leaders, mental health professionals, and local agencies come together to explore how faith and community can partner for greater impact.
Hosted By:
Meet the Speakers
Here are the amazing speakers you’ll hear from!
David Eckert is Senior Director of Intersect, equipping churches to engage mental health through faith-community partnerships and training.
Laura Howe is the founder of Hope Made Strong, equipping churches with practical, faith-based mental health strategies.
Trent Kirkland is Pastor of Zion Church and serves on a local mental health crisis team, bridging faith and care.
☆Save Your Seat☆
2026 PennWest Church Mental Health Summit
Price includes lunch, resource fair and collaboration opportunities
REGISTER NOW
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're leading from the pulpit, supporting behind the scenes, or serving in your community, this Summit is for you.
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Pastors and church leaders supporting mental health in their congregations
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Care ministry teams and volunteers seeking practical tools and encouragement
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Mental health professionals and providers collaborating with faith communities
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Community partners and nonprofits working alongside churches
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Anyone passionate about faith-based mental health support
If you believe the Church has a role in mental wellness, you’re in the right place.
Here's what you can expect:
9:00 AM – Welcome
9:15 AM – Session 1
The Church’s Role in Mental Health
10:00 AM – Table Discussion
10:15 AM – Networking Break
10:30 AM – Session 2
Better Together, Part 1
Why Churches, Providers & Government Must Collaborate
11:15 AM – Table Discussion
11:30 AM – Session 3
Better Together, Part 2
How Collaboration Works in Practice
12:15 PM – Lunch & Exhibit Hall
Meet local mental health agencies
1:00 PM – Session 4
Building Resilience in Caregivers
1:45 PM – Table Discussion
2:00 PM – Session 5
Nuts & Bolts
Practical Tools for Building a Culture of Care
2:45 PM – Panel Q&A
3:30 PM – Closing & Dismissal
Meet the Host
Trent Kirkland
Hello!
Pastor Trent here from Zion Church.
We are thrilled to have you join us for the 2026 Penn West Church Mental Health Summit!
This year, we’re excited to partner with the Global Church Mental Health Summit, as well as local organizations within Clarion County, to create a time where all of us can connect and be inspired, to lead, collaborate, and innovate to better our care in light of mental health for all of Clarion County.
We are anticipating a wonderful time of learning, sharing, great conversations, networking, prayer, worship, being encouraged, and uplifted together!!
Can’t wait to have you join us!
SIGN UP TODAY!
See you soon!
What you should know:
📆
WHEN
March 19, 2026
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
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PRESENTATIONS
5 Keynote Sessions
4 Table Discussions
1 Panel Q&A
1 Exhibit Hall
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COMMUNITY EXHIBIT HALL
Browse resources and build connections with local service providers
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COMMUNITY
Dedicated time to connect with organizations and other attendees
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LUNCH INCLUDED
Registration includes access to all sessions, including lunch
WHAT HAVE PEOPLE SAID?
Previous Participant
"Please continue hosting this valuable event. Raising awareness in the church of practical ways to approach those that suffer from mental illness is essential."
Previous Participant
"I enjoyed attending this event and look forward to attending in the future. It brought together two amazing things and showed how they can work together to help those in need of support. The speakers were relatable and knowledgeable. Thank you for putting this event together!"
Previous Participant
"The summit is a great event. It was very helpful, informative and inspiring. Thank you for all for that you do."
Previous Participant
"I appreciate Pastor Trent's commitment to the mental health issue and his sacrifice to coordinate and host these seminars."
WE ARE PENNWEST.
Join care leaders, pastors, and community organizations and clinicians across Western Pennsylvania to become equipped to care for your congregation and community.
